Man turns tractor into 'rescue vehicle' in flood-hit Quang Tri

"Wherever the tractor can get me, if it can transport people, I'll go there."

Amidst the raging floodwaters, a tractor slowly made its way through the deep water, followed by soaking wet villagers carrying their belongings and children. This image moved many, the image of Nguyen Phung (Hung Nhon village, Nam Hai Lang commune, Quang Tri province ), a farmer who transformed his tractor into a workhorse. He turned his vehicle into a "rescue vehicle" in the heart of the flood.

Mr. Nguyen Phung (Hung Nhon village, Nam Hai Lang commune, Quang Tri province), a farmer, transformed his tractor into a "rescue vehicle" amidst the floods. PHOTO: THANH LOC

"From 5 a.m. until now, I've made eight trips. One person was going to give birth at Hue Central Hospital, another was sick. People from remote areas... wherever my car could reach, I went to pick them up," Phụng recounted, his voice calm amidst the pouring rain.

Mr. Phung's tractor was repurposed during the rainy season and floods. PHOTO: THANH LOC

For him, it wasn't a big deal. "Wherever the tractor can get, if it can transport people, I'll go," he said. That simple statement, amidst the storm and flooding, sounded so heartwarming. He drove his vehicle into the floodwaters, picking up each person and bringing them to safety.

Nam Hai Lang commune is surrounded by vast stretches of water. PHOTO: THANH LOC

The tractor, once a means of livelihood, has now become a special "lifeline." Mud, cold wind, waist-deep water—none can stop this farmer. Each time he starts the engine, it's a new adventure, a way of carrying with him the kindness and generosity of the people of Quang Tri countryside.

"Without the tractor, we'd be completely helpless."

During the heavy rains, Nam Hai Lang commune was almost completely cut off. The water rose rapidly, flooding deep into people's homes. Mr. Nguyen Ba Chanh, from Van Quy village, still clearly remembers that morning: "We live in a remote area, and the flooding was terrible. The water had entered our houses, so we had to rely on the tractor driver to take us to higher ground to escape the flood. If it weren't for him, if it weren't for that tractor, we would have been doomed."

A little girl is being put onto a tractor. PHOTO: THANH LOC

Mr. Phung's tractor has made many trips, transporting the elderly, children, pregnant women, the sick, and more. Many people jokingly say, "I never expected that tractor to be so useful."

Behind the wheel, Mr. Phung rescued many people from the flood. PHOTO: THANH LOC

Mr. Phung didn't care about gratitude or ask for anything in return. He simply said, "When the water rises and my vehicle can't run anymore, I can't transport people. Helping as much as I can during the floods is good. If I don't have money, I have strength, and helping people is precious enough."

"Wherever the tractor can get me, if it can transport people, I'll go there."

"Without the tractor, we'd be completely helpless."

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